"I knew I could get the environmental science and policy education I was looking for, and I would be surrounded by individuals who shared many of the same passions as me."— Carson Casey

"It wasn't until my sophomore year that I learned about GIS. I thought to myself, 'Here is a cool new technology for me to jump into that combines geography, natural resources, and information technology!'" — Maya Thomas

The Rubenstein School offers exciting, hands-on environmental programs that integrate natural sciences and social perspectives. Our small, close-knit community challenges students to discover knowledge, skills, and values to become innovative, environmentally-responsible leaders. More about our School...

ABSTRACTMerck Forest & Farmland Center is a 3190-acre property in Rupert, VT. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education of sustainable land management and farming practices. The Board of Trustees of Merck Forest is considering placing a conservation easement on the property through the Vermont Land Trust. In order to inform the easement recommendations a site assessment is necessary. During the summer of 2014, I mapped the natural communities to discover any ecologically sensitive areas on the property. Following the guidelines set by the Vermont Natural Heritage Program, I determined the element occurrence of rarity for each natural community and provided recommendations on management for the property. Using the Vermont Center for Ecostudies’ bird monitoring plot data I estimated the value of Merck Forest for habitat availability and diversity. Using the criteria of habitat connectivity, landscape complexity, and resiliency, I assessed the current and potential ecological value of this parcel in a regional context. I recommend a conservation strategy that follows a nested approach of preservation or ‘no-touch’ management areas within a larger matrix of conserved, actively managed land.

RSENR on the Move

Open Faculty Positions

The Rubenstein School is searching for 6 faculty positions, with an overall goal to enhance research, teaching, and service with a focus on sustainability in the context of global and domestic environmental equity:

3 Tenure-Track Positions (rank open) in Sustainability Studies and Global Environmental Equity, including Director of the Environmental Program (CLOSED)

UVM is located in Burlington, the largest city in Vermont, with an increasingly ethnically and culturally diverse population. The mission of RSENR is to understand, nurture, and enrich the interdependence of people with healthy ecological systems.